Despite US candidates supporting Israel, Muslim and Arab voters could shape US policy
WASHINGTON, DC - Despite their stark differences on the Gaza conflict - Democratic Party nominee Kamala Harris backing a ceasefire while Republican nominee Donald Trump has pushed for swift a Israeli victory - experts say neither candidate is likely to fundamentally alter America's steadfast support for Israel. Yet both are heavily courting Muslim and Arab voters in crucial swing states like Michigan, where this constituency could prove decisive in the US elections on Tuesday.
Both presidential candidates have held multiple meetings with Arab and Muslim communities in Michigan, reflecting the growing electoral significance of a constituency that represents 1.3 percent of the US population but is strategically concentrated in battleground states.
"There is a kind of established policy regarding Israel and the Middle East," Dan Martinez, a former US diplomat, told Rudaw ahead of the vote. "Both parties support Israel, and my prediction is this will continue regardless of the election outcome. The Biden administration has been very clear in their continued support for Israel, despite all the concerns, questions, and protests against this support."
Current Vice President Kamala Harris has carried partial responsibility for the administration's handling of the Gaza crisis, prompting several meetings with Muslim American communities, promising to work hard toward to help resolve the conflict.
Regional observers, however, express skepticism about meaningful change.
"For us in the Middle East, it's not about which candidate wins," Khaled al-Maeena, a veteran Saudi journalist and researcher, noted from Washington.
"What we expect both candidates to do is to have a cohesive policy toward the Middle East, focusing more on progress rather than conflicts,” he added. “They should make every effort to ensure America is a partner and part of peace and progress, not just a foreign agent pursuing its own interests.”
The concentration of Muslim voters in crucial swing states, including Michigan and Pennsylvania, has elevated the Gaza crisis and Middle East peace as prominent campaign issues. While Muslims make up just 1.1 percent of the total US population, their significant presence in these battleground states has compelled both candidates to address this emerging voter bloc.
Both presidential candidates have held multiple meetings with Arab and Muslim communities in Michigan, reflecting the growing electoral significance of a constituency that represents 1.3 percent of the US population but is strategically concentrated in battleground states.
"There is a kind of established policy regarding Israel and the Middle East," Dan Martinez, a former US diplomat, told Rudaw ahead of the vote. "Both parties support Israel, and my prediction is this will continue regardless of the election outcome. The Biden administration has been very clear in their continued support for Israel, despite all the concerns, questions, and protests against this support."
Current Vice President Kamala Harris has carried partial responsibility for the administration's handling of the Gaza crisis, prompting several meetings with Muslim American communities, promising to work hard toward to help resolve the conflict.
Regional observers, however, express skepticism about meaningful change.
"For us in the Middle East, it's not about which candidate wins," Khaled al-Maeena, a veteran Saudi journalist and researcher, noted from Washington.
"What we expect both candidates to do is to have a cohesive policy toward the Middle East, focusing more on progress rather than conflicts,” he added. “They should make every effort to ensure America is a partner and part of peace and progress, not just a foreign agent pursuing its own interests.”
The concentration of Muslim voters in crucial swing states, including Michigan and Pennsylvania, has elevated the Gaza crisis and Middle East peace as prominent campaign issues. While Muslims make up just 1.1 percent of the total US population, their significant presence in these battleground states has compelled both candidates to address this emerging voter bloc.